I think we have to be content that this enigma is not going to be solved as such.
However, I also belong to the group who actually think the British pilot hit 'nothing'
First of all a loss in the Orleans area is simply out of the question.
Since the attack on the 28th was on Maupertus the obvious escape by the Whirlwind pilots would have been
to the north. How come the British claim is to the east (and quite a bit to the east) at Barfleur?
I agree that the pilot(s) from 130Sq, obviously covering the mission, could have pursued an attacker east,
but why would any Whirlwind pilot follow after them?
Their job was finished and all that remained for them was to go home/escape as quickly as possible.
So how come they knew anything about the claim made by 130Sq? Why is anything written in their ORBs at all?
Just curious....
Cheers
Stig